Joseph Pearce’s

23 Elm Row, Edinburgh, EH7 4AA

Telephone 0131 556 4140
Bar open Sun–Thu 11am–midnight; Fri/Sat 11am–1am.
Food served Mon–Sat 11am–3pm, 5–9pm; Sun 11am–6pm.
Average price (set lunch); £15 (evening meal)
Email
Website www.bodabar.com/joseph-pearces/

Casual bar at the top of the Walk with Scandi food and an intimate vibe.

The 2017 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).

As an area of Edinburgh blessed with interesting venues and trendy hang-out spots, Leith is in no short supply of excellent bars and pubs. Joseph Pearce’s has become a focal point of sorts for locals, thanks in part to its family-friendly feel during the day and laid-back atmosphere at night. Like its sister bars, the menu boats a Scandinavian influence, with traditional meatballs, smörgåsbords and a fine Nordic stew on offer, as well as gourmet burgers and open sandwiches. The sweet, gin-filled Roxette and the fiery Hot Bjorn Borg are just two highlights from a cocktail list that is both refreshing and diverse. Aside from the food and drink, be sure to check out JP’s regular events, including the weekly jogging club, Friday music nights and the ever-popular annual August crayfish party.

High point: Sweet sweet potato dessert
Low point: Uninteresting beers on tap
Notable dish: Smörgåsbord sharing platters

Provides: Vegetarian options (at least ¼ main courses), Children's portions, Children's high chairs, Outdoor tables, Free wi-fi
Music on stereo: An eclectic mix
Live entertainment: Friday events – soul, funk, RnB, hip-hop featuring live DJs
Capacity: 200 (70 seated); 20 outdoors
Largest group: 50
Open since: 2008
Number of wines sold by the glass: 17
House wine: £14 per bottle

Events at this venue

Tarantino Halloween with Surf Manchu

Tarantino-themed party with music from Surf Manchu, fancy dress, cocktails, dancing and more.

Sat 28 Oct

Free / 0131 556 4140

18:00 – 00:00

Reviews & features

Neighbourhood Watch: Leith, Edinburgh

21 Jul 2011

A beginner's guide to the capital's port town

What’s it like? It’s Leith. If you’re an Edinburgh List reader, it’s very likely you live there. Glossy bars, Michelin-starred restaurants and warehouse conversions squaring off against cobbles, pint’n’pie pubs and Hibees. Vibrant, community-focused (it…

Best bars in and around Leith

3 Jun 2010

David Pollock suggests the finest locations for a festival beverage, or two

Comments & ratings

4. Em Rider – 1 May 2010, 9:29am Joseph Pearce’s Report: Really good place to go if you've got small children, as there is a toy corner and a couch (ideal for feeding etc). However, the food is not great - a lot of Swedish influenced dishes, but not to everyones taste. The food and drink are both very very expensive! Expect to pay a premium! The pancakes are disappointingly poor value for money, whereas the burger is huge, but at nearly £11 you would expect it to be. The staff are so friendly, they really are a great credit to this place. A mixed review really, not good for food, but a nice place to pop in for a grown-up chat and a drink while the kids play.

3. McD's – 23 Oct 2009, 1:01pm Joseph Pearce’s Report

love it love it love it! but way too popular. Go away crowds so i can get a seat again!

the only thing that i would change is ..... the coffee. everytime i go and order one i take a sip and am disappointed. everything else is perfect except the watery, usually not hot enough, lacking in flavour coffee. please please please get some lovely strong creamy coffee and pearce's would be heaven!

2. cp123 – 18 Aug 2009, 9:40pm Report: Overpriced drinks & ikeaesque food. Not for me.

1. Morna – 25 May 2009, 11:57am Joseph Pearce’s Report

Lovely food, really sweet menus (disney books with the menu inside) & a nice whimsical mish-mash of furniture & decorations.

Only downside was that we went for a hungover lunch & were surrounded by kids playing. Our hangovers couldn't really take it! But it was really busy & probably our fault for sitting near the cuddly toys....